From Germany to the Netherlands — explore the Hansa Cycle Route
Bike Touring Collection by Hanzesteden Fietsroute
8
days
2-5 h
/ day
283 mi
3,350 ft
3,450 ft
This 455-kilometre (283 mi) route takes you on a journey through historic Hanseatic cities in Germany and the Netherlands. The multi-day route starts in Neuss and leads you downstream through a total of 16 cities to Harderwijk.
Cycle through varied landscapes with beautiful views along the Rhine, the Waal, the Ijssel and the Zwarte Water. These rivers brought prosperity to the region and flourishing trading towns grew up along their banks. The historic warehouses, medieval streets and remains of the stone city walls tell the stories of the past.
But on the Hanseatic Cycle Route, you’ll also experience the Hanseatic present, from trendy concept stores to traditional breweries. With Gothic churches and futuristic art clouds — these cities have a surprise around every corner.
There are eight Tours in total that each cover a small part of the route. Each Tour takes you through two or three Hanseatic cities, so there's plenty to see every day. Along the way, you'll find plenty of cosy campsites, cosy bed & breakfasts, luxury hotels, and good restaurants and cafés galore. Food and drink on the Hanseatic Cycle Route is excellent.
If you're particularly motivated, you can also cycle the Hanseatic Rounds. These are circular routes that start from the towns you pass. They lead through the hinterland of the cities and show you the stunning surrounding landscapes. You can find these routes in this Collection: komoot.nl/collection/1193815.
So, what are you waiting for? Get on your bike, follow in the footsteps of the merchants of yesteryear and experience the beauty and power of the Hanseatic cities!
The project ‘Cross-border cooperation: Hanseatic cities then and now’ is made possible by the INTERREG programme Germany-Netherlands.
On The Map
Do it yourself
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Tours & Highlights
- 05:5855.2 mi9.3 mph800 ft850 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
The first stage of the Hanseatic City Cycle Route runs from the Hanseatic city of Neuss to the Hanseatic city of Wesel. The long-distance cycle route starts in the port of Neuss and takes you along the Rhine to Wesel. End point is Wesel: where you absolutely must visit the famous cathedral.
Neuss in Germany…
- 04:1443.4 mi10.2 mph350 ft400 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
What is the name of the mayor of Wesel? Donkey! The Weasel Donkey has become a symbol and can be found in several places in the city. On your way out of town, you cycle past a life-size painted donkey figure.
In this second stage you first cycle towards the medieval city of Kalkar with the beautiful village…
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- 03:3937.2 mi10.2 mph700 ft650 ftFerryExpertExpert bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
On the third day of the Hanseatic City Cycle Route you cross the border at Emmerich am Rhein to East Gelderland. This tour ends after 60 kilometers in the oldest city in the Netherlands, Nijmegen, whose history dates back to the time of the Romans.
You cycle around Emmerich and in the beautiful nature…
- 02:5631.4 mi10.7 mph375 ft400 ftFerryIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
The starting point of stage four is the oldest city in the Netherlands – Nijmegen. The beautiful route goes to Arnhem and ends in cultural Doesburg. The tour gives you history, but also contemporary scenes.
Cross the Waal over the bicycle and railway bridge and wave goodbye to the Nijmegen Roman mask…
- 03:0733.4 mi10.7 mph300 ft325 ftFerryIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
From cultural Doesburg you cycle in the fifth stage of the Hanseatic City Cycle Route via the tower city of Zutphen to quirky Deventer. All three Hanseatic cities offer a lot of beauty, but the roads that lead you from A to B are just as breathtaking.
Immediately after leaving the city, you will cycle…
- 03:0232.6 mi10.8 mph500 ft500 ftFerryIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
The most beautiful river in the Netherlands leads you the way from Deventer, via Hattem to Zwolle: the IJssel. Estates and (bicycle) ferries are part of this beautiful route.
After a few kilometers through the floodplains you reach the Landgoed de Haere. When open, the castle is also well worth a visit…
- 02:0422.4 mi10.8 mph150 ft175 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The penultimate stage goes from Zwolle, via pilgrimage destination Hasselt to the home port of the Kamper Kogge in the nautical Kampen. Spacious roads lead through the IJsseldelta region.
This leg is considerably shorter than the other days, which means you can take it easy. After an extensive breakfast…
- 02:3127.0 mi10.7 mph175 ft150 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
On this last stage, the landscape can change completely within a few kilometers. Along the way you will discover the fishing and fortified town of Elburg and you will finish the Hanseatic Cities Cycling Route in wonderful Harderwijk.
The day starts in Kampen, a Hanseatic city with a beautiful skyline…
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Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Distance283 mi
- Duration27:30 h
- Elevation3,350 ft3,450 ft
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